Breaking Ground on the Next Era of Construction with Lauren Talley

How is the construction industry adapting to rising costs, labor shortages, and shifting market demands? In this episode of PlotLines, Heather and Britni sit down with Lauren Talley, Owner and Principal of Cobalt Construction Consulting, to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping commercial real estate construction today. Lauren shares her insights on how the past five years have forced construction firms to rethink their strategies, from navigating material shortages to balancing new financing structures. She breaks down the trends driving activity across multifamily, industrial, and retail development, as well as the slowing demand for new office projects. They also explore the need for developers to get more creative with capital stacks, the impact of union labor in certain markets, and the challenges of community engagement in new projects. Tune in to hear Lauren’s take on where the construction industry is headed and why patience, fairness, and creativity are essential for the future.